Kenya Launches ‘Tusome Pamoja with Braille’ to Boost Inclusive Education
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Nairobi, Kenya – April 4, 2025
Kenya has launched the Tusome Pamoja with Braille project, a three-year initiative aimed at improving Braille literacy for visually impaired children. The program, a collaboration between the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), the LEGO Foundation, and UNICEF, is backed by the Ministry of Education and will be rolled out across 17 counties and two refugee camps. It targets 18,600 children and will train 6,000 teachers, including Early Childhood Development (ECD) instructors.
By integrating LEGO Braille bricks and play-based teaching methods, the initiative seeks to make learning engaging and accessible. Dr. William Sugut from the Ministry of Education emphasized the program’s goal of ensuring every child learns effectively, while Dr. Norman Kiogora, Director General of KISE, noted that data from the pilot phase will guide nationwide expansion.
To tackle the high cost of Braille machines, the government is building a factory at KISE to locally manufacture and repair them, reducing costs and improving accessibility. The program also addresses social barriers by training teachers and caregivers to support visually impaired learners at home and in schools.
With the LEGO Foundation providing Braille learning bricks for free and leading educator training, the initiative is set to transform education for visually impaired children in Kenya. As the world nears the 200th anniversary of the Braille code in 2025, this project underscores Kenya’s commitment to inclusive learning and equal opportunities for all.
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